News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College has announced a leadership transition within its Athletics Division, effective Oct. 20, 2025.

Dr. Rae Emrick ‘95, who has served as Vice President for Athletics since 2023, will assume a new role as Senior Advisor for Athletics, continuing to support key institutional projects and initiatives.

Emrick’s contributions to Wesleyan span three decades as an athletic trainer, a faculty member, and a senior administrator. Her leadership has shaped generations of students and strengthened the College’s tradition of excellence in the classroom and in competition.

As part of this transition, Kyle Hoffman, MBA ‘06 will become Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. Hoffman has served as Associate Vice President for Athletics since 2025 and brings extensive experience in coaching, a deep understanding of NCAA Division II operations, and a strong commitment to student success.

“Dr. Emrick’s impact on this College is immeasurable,” said President James Moore. “She has led with integrity, care, and an unwavering belief in our students. We are grateful for her continued support as we move through this transition. Kyle is exceptionally well-prepared to build on her legacy and lead Wesleyan Athletics into its next chapter.”

Hoffman added, “Dr. Emrick has been an integral part of Wesleyan Athletics for the last three decades. Her leadership came at a critical time for the department, helping us navigate some of the most challenging times in the history of the NCAA. I am grateful for the mentorship she has provided me, and I look forward to carrying on the traditions of Wesleyan Athletics.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for  135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  West Virginia Wesleyan College and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine are celebrating their unique partnership with the Go D.O. Early Scholars Program as the first WVWC graduates of Go D.O. entered their first year at WVSOM this fall.

The Go D.O. Early Scholars Program allows qualifying students to receive guaranteed acceptance into the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, upon successful completion of the undergraduate program requirements and interview, as well as a waived MCAT. The program represents the first-of-its-kind partnership between WVSOM and another institution of higher learning. 

Kaef Rehman ’25, of Daniels, West Virginia; Abigail Patterson ’25, of Charleston, West Virginia comprised the first class of Go D.O Early Scholars and are now in their first year at WVSOM.

“We remain so proud of the students who have made the choice to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine,” Dr. James Moore, president of West Virginia Wesleyan College, said. “Our region needs primary care providers who understand how to treat the whole person, and I know these students will be among the best practitioners anywhere. We continue to be honored that West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine thought of Wesleyan to partner in this program.”

Nasif Mohammad ‘29, of Alpharetta, Georgia, is considering becoming a primary care physician. 

“Medicine interests me for several reasons, from the intricacies and complexities of human anatomy and physiology, the complex problem-solving aspect of diagnoses and treatment plans, the empathetic factor of patient care, and the high level of clinical responsibility associated with being a physician,” Mohammad said.  “Currently, the field of medicine I am most interested in is primary care, because of its focus on preventive health measures, the potential to build long-term interpersonal relationships with patients, and the opportunity to view a broader range of medical cases. 

Mohammad felt the Go D.O. program would be the best pathway to his goal of becoming a doctor.

“One of the main reasons I opted for this program was my passion for helping underserved areas,” he said. “I originally found out about this program when learning about various health disparities in the U.S for a research project. I found out that West Virginia faces some of the highest rates of chronic diseases in the country, partly due to the lack of primary care providers in the region. I subsequently found out about WVSOM and its commitment to increasing the number of PCPs in rural West Virginia. Although I am not from this region, I believe that completing my undergraduate studies here and becoming involved with the local communities will help me become more familiar with the state’s challenges.

“The guaranteed admission provided by the Go D.O. program, along with no MCAT requirement, allows additional time for focusing on academics and extracurriculars. This includes community service, research experience, clinical volunteering, and shadowing in rural clinics. These activities will allow me to become more well-rounded and will pay far more dividends for my future career than spending hundreds of hours studying for the MCAT.”

Ravenna Navalgund ’26, of Irvin, Pennsylvania; Srikiran Nandigama ‘26, of Salt Point, New York; Jack Monks ‘27, of Charleston, West Virginia;  Madelyn Armstrong ’27, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Wyatt Burns ’27, of Weston, West Virginia; Jack Monks ’27, of Charleston, West Virginia;  Lanna Nguyen ‘27, of Bristow, Virginia; Drake O’Dell ‘28, of Craigsville, West Virginia, Chloe Cox ‘28, of Craigsville, West Virginia, and Dane Heath ‘28, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and are currently in the Go D.O. Early Scholars Program.

Applications are now being accepted for 2026 admission. The priority deadline is December 1.  In-state and out-of-state students who score at least a 1390 on the SAT or at least a 30 on the ACT and have at least a 3.75 grade point average qualify for the Go D.O. Early Scholars Program. Click here to find out more. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for  135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  A college journey that began at West Virginia Wesleyan College four decades ago is now complete for Patricia Murray ’25.

With hard work, perseverance and the desire to leave a legacy for her family, Murray earned her Bachelor’s in Educational Studies from WVWC, joining her husband, Patrick “Pat” Murray Jr. ‘88, on the Orange Line.

On a recent visit to campus, Murray was able to pose, complete with cap and gown, for that milestone photo and stroll the campus with Pat and her family in tow, sharing memories from her early days. 

“We remember the people here, the friendships made, the crazy uniqueness of the different people who entered our lives,” she said. “We had different names for friends we had that made them giggle. Each one was unique. Our friendships here were unique. Meeting the love of my life was my biggest joy and my biggest success.”

In 1984, Murray arrived on campus as a freshman and soon immersed herself in college life. An education major, Murray thought she would be a teacher, but life had other plans, and she would fall in love with Pat.

“She met a friend of mine who was also on the football team and in KA and started dating him, and I stole her away,” he joked.

Life happened.

“My Patrick came along soon after, and my goal in my life was to give him the best life I could,” Patti said. “I developed programs, educational, recreational programs and started writing. Ten years later came the other love of my life, Tommy.  My mission was motherhood and being the best mother that I could. Though I left without the degree, I had it in my heart, I understood what they needed and I did the best job I could.”

The Murrays love story began in West Virginia and continues now in their home about an hour outside Manhattan, New York.

And once their sons were grown and started having children of their own, Patti decided it was time to finish what she started for them.

“I wanted to leave a legacy,” she said. “Especially, I have three grandbabies right now, and I wanted to prove to them that you can do anything. Don’t leave anything unfinished. That was my purpose, to finish what I started.”

As an education major, Murray thought she had about a year left, but it turned out to be longer.

“What ended up happening is I created successful programs for Parks and Recreation called ‘Traveling Tots’, wrote a book and volunteered at St. Johns The Evangelist Church in Mahopac, N.Y. and a lot of that turned over into credits,” she said. “I’m grateful.”

Before returning to finish her degree, Patti also published, “I Love You An Armful,” a children’s book about “her babies.”

And now the published author can add college graduate to her resume.

Pat added, “I am so extremely proud of my wife. It’s probably one of the hardest things you can do is pick up where you left off, dust yourself off and finish something like that. I could not be prouder of her. “

Patti said, “I might have had the hope in my heart that I would have the opportunity, but if I wasn’t given the opportunity, I couldn’t have gotten this today. I’m leaving with gratitude for so many years before and now so many years after. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for  135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  – Recognizing an educator whose challenging expectations and steadfast support of students enable them to reach their highest potential, the 2025  Exemplary Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Tamara Denmark Bailey by Provost Lynn M. Linder at Founders Day.

Linder said, “ Each year, West Virginia Wesleyan College recognizes the accomplishments of an extraordinary teacher, one whose professional competence, dedication to the growth of our students, and commitment to the highest academic standards combine to create a campus environment in which learning flourishes,” she said. 

Students note that Bailey, an assistant professor of history, consistently sets a very high bar.

“These words demonstrate not only a challenging academic environment, but also an authentic appreciation for true learning—learning that happens when one is challenged, supported, and inspired,” Linder said. 

In addition to teaching, Bailey shepherds the Wesleyan Abroad program with her commitment to providing life-changing study abroad opportunities, something that would not be possible without her leadership. 

“Colleagues and students alike note that she works tirelessly to secure funding, navigate complex administration, and ensure each student can pursue their goals,” Linder said. “Often working quietly behind the scenes, she puts in countless hours to make these experiences accessible and transformative, all while never seeking recognition for herself.”

Bailey said, “I am humbled and honored to be given this award. I have the privilege to teach with some of the best faculty in West Virginia.  The College creates opportunities to collaborate and co-teach with our peers, and this leads to innovation in the classroom. My History and Political Science departments encourage new ideas and development of new courses, which allowed me to create relevant courses such as History of Modern Africa and History and Politics of Israel and Palestine.

“Additionally, the registrar’s office assisted in helping my International Studies program  partner with numerous departments to bring Business, Environmental Studies, Human Rights, and Religion into the major as fields of study. I am proud to call West Virginia Wesleyan my Home Among the Hills. Thank you for this honor.” 

About West Virginia Wesleyan College
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for  135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  West Virginia Wesleyan College has appointed two new members of the board of trustees during Founders Day, each with significant experience in health care and public affairs and marketing.

Trish Collett, CEO of Community Care of West Virginia, and Tadd Rupp, have been appointed to five-year terms ending in 2030.

Collett is a lifelong West Virginian and holds a Bachelor of Medical Science degree from Alderson Broaddus University and completed the WVU Health Care MBA Essentials Program in 2006. She began her career with Community Care in 2000 as a physician assistant at the Rock Cave Clinic and was named Director of Medical Services in 2008. Prior to being appointed CEO, she served as Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

Collett has played a key role in expanding access to care and developing health care workforce pipelines across the state. In collaboration with West Virginia Wesleyan College leadership, she was instrumental in securing $1.2 million from Aetna Better Health to launch a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She has also helped secure $129,000 in funding for the college’s Physician Assistant Program. Under Collett’s leadership, Community Care of West Virginia continues to partner with WVWC to support these initiatives and recruit graduates from the inaugural cohorts. Collett lives in Elkins with her husband and enjoys spending time with her four daughters and grandchildren.

Rupp is a partner at Targeted Victory, a leading political marketing and public affairs firm based in Arlington, Virginia. For the last 12 years, Tad has directed digital and voter contract campaigns for U.S. Senate, Congressional and independent expenditure efforts nationwide and spearheaded advocacy initiatives for corporate and nonprofit clients.

Prior to joining Targeted Victory, Tad served in the Capitol Hill offices of Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02) and Congressman Dan Benishek (MI-01) and a staffer on the Romney-Ryan Presidential campaign.

Tadd is the son of Dr. Robert and the late Dr. Lynn Rupp, who were professors at WVWC. He graduated from Allegheny College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and was a recipient of the American Association of Political Consultants “40 Under 40” award. Tad currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife, Jenna and their two sons.

Also serving as ex-officio members and inducted during Founders Day were Brayton Boggs’ 27, Student Senate President; Nancy Oswald, staff chair; and Ashley Lawson, faculty chair.

The new members join the existing board: Kevin W. Spear ’76, chair; John F. Allevato ’76, Brian T. Brouillette ’82, Rev. Dr. Ellis E. Conley ’73, William R. Fahrner ’96, Jason S. Fiegel ’00, Sam Fox II ’86, Arria M. Foster Hines ’95, Dr. Danette I. Johnson ’99, Dr. Alan Letton, Rev. Martha Sherwood Ognibene ’79, Justin M. Raber ’08, Stephen Ranjan ’01, Angel I. Rogers, Rev. Amy Mock Shanholtzer ’87, Craig D. Welsh ’93, Curtis  L. Wilkerson Jr. ’99, Jamion A. Wolford ’08,  and David A. Young ’87.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for  135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  West Virginia Wesleyan College recently recognized its 2025 Homecoming Court with President James Moore and First Lady Jessica Moore crowning the top vote-getters at halftime of the football game.

The two highest vote-getters this year, chosen by their peers, were Cliff Carpenter ’26, of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Stanley Martin ’26, of Charleston, West Virginia.

Carpenter is a biology major with a chemistry minor and a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and TriBeta Biology Honor Society.

Martin is a biology pre-med major. A member of BSU, Theta Chi, Service Scholars and WE Lead, Martin is also resident director for campus life, senior class vice president and a member-at-large for Student Senate.

Abigail Dilly ’26, of Lewisburg, West Virginia. A business administration major also enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program, Dilly is captain of the WVWC Competitive Dance Team and president of Alpha Delta Pi.

Haden Fincham ’26, of Berkley Springs, West Virginia, is a biology major and president of TriBeta Biology Honor Society. He serves as coordinator for the WE LEAD High Tunnel Team, vice president of PRISM and a member of Bobcat Entertainment.

Kristin Hicks ’26 of Parsons, West Virginia, is an elementary education major and vice president of operations for Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She also serves as a Service Scholar, a tutor for the Education Department and a member of Delight Ministries.

Kylie Holloway ’26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a computer science major. She is a resident director for campus life and also serves as the campus life representative for Student Senate. She is a Service Scholar, WE LEAD member, secretary of the Black Student Union, the Elior Marketing Representative and a member of Bobcat Entertainment.

Dakota Johnson ’26, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, is a music, gender studies and psychology major. She is a student-athlete on the cross country and track teams and is a member of LeaP, the Praise and Worship Team and BSU.

Kennedy Marshall ’26, of Morgantown, West Virginia, is a nursing major and is a member of Student Nurses of Wesleyan and a nursing mentor. She is a sister of Zeta Tau Alpha, a founding member of WE LEAD End the Cycle, a work study in admissions and a note taker for The Learning Center.

Julia McCoy ’26, of Ravenswood, West Virginia, is a nursing major and the vice president for Student Senate, a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority where she holds multiple positions and a member of Student Nurses of Wesleyan.

Raveena Navalgund ’26, of Fairmont, West Virginia, is a biology pre-med major with minors in honors and chemistry. She is a two-time captain for the Lacrosse team, ranked No. 1 by NCAA DII for defensive statistics, a member of TriBeta Biology Honor Society, Benzene Ring, SAAC and the Go D.O. program. She is also a student ambassador and a first year experience teaching assistant.

Representing the junior class were Abby McDonough ’27, of Salem, West Virginia,  and Sophia Shoemaker ’27, of Elkins, West Virginia. McDonough is an elementary education major, a member of the women’s basketball and track teams and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Shoemaker is a biochemistry major, a member of Alpha Delta Pi, the Benzene Ring and a Wesleyan Service Scholar.

Sophomore attendant Breanna Waldron ’28, of Fairmont, is a biology pre-med major and a member of the swim team, Alpha Delta Pi, Delight Ministries, the Student Ambassador program, and serves on the Student Senate as the Sophomore Class President.

Freshman attendant Ava Smith ’29, of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, is a nursing major and a member of the competitive dance team.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  West Virginia Wesleyan College Department of Theatre & Dance presents a reimagining of Shakespeare’s ”MACBETH”  that is a funny look at events from the perspective of the three witches. 

This version, written and directed by Dr. Greg Mach, with a lot of help from William Shakespeare, is entitled “Macbeth Bewitched.” 

Warriors in Scotland are victorious over the Viking attackers, and are told by three “weird sisters” in prophecies that promotions are in order, and that, indeed, one of them, Macbeth, will become king. When the king pops by Macbeth’s castle for celebrations, Macbeth and his wife let ambition steer them into murder, and that’s just the beginning. The new king and queen will stop at nothing to stay in power, and the death count grows in this tragedy made a comedy by the crazy antics of those around them. 

The cast list includes Ashton Nardella ’26, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, as witch one, Elijah W. Dickey ’27, of Chloe, West Virginia,  as witch two, Julius Pretlow ’26, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as witch three, and John Spellman ‘28, of Morgantown, West Virginia, as Macbeth. Ness Schauman ’29, of Elkins, West Virginia, appears as King Duncan/Hecate, Adrian Legg ’28, of Charleston, West Virginia, as Banquo, Heath Gilliam ’29, of Fayetteville, West Virginia, as Malcom and DeAndre Jones ’29, of Morgantown, West Virginia,  as Macduff.  Rhyan Sebring ’27, of Caldwell, Ohio,  portrays Fleance and Lady Macduff while Leigh Rice ’28, of Philippi, West Virginia, is Lady Macbeth. The Macduff Child is played by both Kendall Marcum ’29, of Hurricane, West Virginia, and Schauman. 

“MacBeth Bewitched” features scenic and lighting design by new designer and tech director Boyd Wolz, 

Costume design by guest artist Ruth Humphrey, fight choreography by guest artist Barbara Burgess-Lefebvre. Sarah Farlow ’29, of Webster Springs, West Virginia, serves as stage manager. 

Show times are Oct. 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 25 in the Virginia Thomas Law Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the door for $10 general admission, $8 seniors and $5 for WVWC students and community. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –The CCIA and Arts Alive! are presenting Jazz & Java in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct.15) with live Latin Jazz music led by Yamil Conga Trio at the CJ Maggies, Opera House on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The event will be from 6-8 p.m., with live music, a salsa dance lesson and food. Donation of $10 requested at the door. West Virginia Wesleyan College students receive free admission.

Conga is a native of Puerto Rico and a current resident of Nashville, Tennesee. Conga tours nationally and internationally and also visits colleges and universities, bringing educational lectures on the conga drum and salsa music. 

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  West Virginia Wesleyan College has extended a special on-campus room discount to full-time enrolled students from Harrison County.  Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, West Virginia Wesleyan College will add Harrison County students to the list of full-time students from Barbour, Lewis, Randolph and Upshur who have on-campus room costs reduced by $2,000 a year.  

The rate reduction will be honored for all campus housing choices for the length of time a student is enrolled at WVWC.

Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, John Waltz ‘01, said:   “By removing the variables of students needing to find an apartment and deal with monthly utilities and groceries we help families control costs, and we ensure a more stable learning and living environment where young people can both enjoy themselves and focus on academic and extracurricular success. Lots of students and their families already see the value in this type of experience and we are especially excited to extend this benefit to the excellent students of Harrison County this year.”  

The announcement comes on the heels of the College’s newest ranking from U.S. News and World Report. WVWC is No. 2 for Best Value Colleges. 

WVWC will host two Fall Open Houses, Oct. 25 and Nov. 8.  Register at www.wvwc.edu to learn more about what makes West Virginia Wesleyan College special. 

 ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Twenty-one West Virginia Wesleyan College students gained valuable experience this summer through a variety of research internships that culminated with presenting their research at the INBRE Symposium held at Marshall University.

Curtis Litton ‘26, of Duck, West Virginia, gained experience at WVU’s Health Sciences Center under the INBRE program, investigating the impact of Type 2 diabetes on heart function. The research focused primarily on the effects of diabetes on mitochondria, which are organelles that play a critical role in producing the energy needed for the heart to pump properly.

“We came away with some intriguing results which I was then able to present at INBRE’s summer research symposium at Marshall University,” Litton said. The internship was a great way for me to not only gain more experience in the field of biomedical research but also to learn more about myself. I feel as though it gave me great insight as to how a career in scientific research would work for me and helped solidify my intent to pursue that career path.”

Annalise Gentilozzi ’26, of Clarksburg, West Virignia  worked on a retinal gene therapy project focused on PROM1-associated cone-rod dystrophy. I was responsible for preparing and analyzing an animal model that received AAV-PROM1 subretinal injections,” she said. “My work included cryostat slicing of retinal tissue, immunohistochemistry and expansion microscopy to visualize structural details of the outer nuclear layer.” 

“This experience shaped both my technical and professional skills,” Gentilozzi said. “I developed precision and dexterity in lab procedures. When looking towards a career in dentistry, these skills directly translate to the fine motor skills required in dentistry. Being a part of the research team showed me how science can directly impact patient care, which ultimately shows the reason why people go into health care.”

Mariam Al-Zoubi ’27, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, spent her summer at Marshall University studying pro-inflammatory cytokines related to the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

“Using methods of tissue culture, protein extraction and Western Blot, I studied the expression of certain pro-inflammatory proteins in intestinal mucosa,” she said. “This experience was very beneficial for me because not only did I become equipped with knowledge about the importance of literature and differing research methods in the lab, I was also able to work in a professional setting that allowed me to expand on my ideas for my future.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvw